How to Heal Anxiety, Panic Attacks & the Fear of Fear | Caroline Foran

What if the moment you thought you were completely broken was actually the beginning of your healing? Caroline Foran joins me for a deeply honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and what it really takes to heal.Caroline shares the moment she hit rock bottom, believing she was beyond help, and how that experience became the turning point that changed everything. We unpack what anxiety actually is, why panic attacks feel so overwhelming, and how misunderstanding your own body can make everything worse. This conversation cuts through the noise. No quick fixes. No fluff. Just real, practical insight into how anxiety works, and how to work with it instead of against it.In this episode, we cover:Caroline’s most challenging moment with anxietyWhat panic attacks really feel likeAnxiety vs stress vs depressionWhy anxiety is a full-body experienceThe role of the nervous system and safetyTools that actually help (and why consistency matters)Self-compassion and the aftermath of panic attacksMedication for anxiety: stigma vs realityHigh-functioning anxiety and burnoutPhones, social media, and modern overstimulationIf anxiety has ever made you feel broken, this episode will show you that change is possible.Connect with Caroline on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠get her new book hereConnect with Brian⬛ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE access to Brian’s online courses⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bonus Time⁠⁠⁠⁠⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⬛ Follow Brian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Sponsors: Founded by the ⁠⁠⁠Fabulous Pharmacist, Laura Dowling⁠⁠⁠, I'm delighted to partner with ⁠⁠⁠Fabuwellness⁠⁠⁠, a company dedicated to empowering your health with science-led, nature-inspired supplements. We're also delighted to continue our partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Kyne Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠, with whom I'm closely collaborating on a special project that aligns with our joint mission to nurture youth well-being in Ireland.Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:00 Caroline’s most challenging moment with anxiety05:30 The terror and helplessness of panic attacks09:00 Anxiety, shame, and not knowing why you feel this way13:00 What anxiety actually feels like in the body16:30 Anxiety vs stress: what’s the difference?20:00 When anxiety turns into depression24:00 Rock bottom, surrender, and the beginning of healing28:30 The brain, the body, and why anxiety is pre-rational33:00 Why healing starts with the body, not just the mind37:00 Tools for anxiety: breathwork, walking, and what works for you43:00 There is no magic wand — only consistent tools46:00 Panic attacks, self-criticism, and self-compassion51:00 Caroline’s roadmap back to yourself55:00 Why talking to someone you trust matters58:30 Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation1:02:00 Riding the wave of anxiety instead of fearing it1:06:00 Anxiety as information, not a life sentence1:09:00 Helping young people with anxiety1:12:00 Medication for anxiety: stigma, nuance, and what helps1:15:30 What people get wrong about anxiety1:16:20 Final message of hopeKeywords: Caroline Foran, anxiety, panic attacks, anxiety recovery, mental health, nervous system, Owning It, Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety, self compassion anxiety, breathwork anxiety, high functioning anxiety, anxiety healing, stress and anxiety, depression and anxiety